Lee Daniels’ The Butler-2013

Director Lee Daniels

Starring Forest Whitaker

Scott’s Review #81

Reviewed June 30, 2014

Grade: A

Director Lee Daniels is a recent favorite of mine (Precious-2009, The Paperboy-2012), and his latest, The Butler (2013), is an excellent, true-story undertaking.

While the trailer looked appealing, I was concerned that the film might be overwrought or have a Hollywood sappiness.

While it’s a Hollywood film, it is also a powerful, emotional experience.

The viewer is taken on a journey from 1926 through the current president from the viewpoint of White House butler Cecil Gaines (Whitaker), who serves several presidents and is privy to the goings-on in the White House.

Forest Whitaker plays him, and Oprah Winfrey plays his boozy, troubled wife.

Both give tremendous performances.

The Butler is a political journey through time and I love the authenticity of each decade from the sets to the costumes to the hairstyles.

The casting of the Presidents is curious (Robin Williams as Eisenhower and John Cusack as Nixon), but works nonetheless.

The rivalry between Cecil Gaines and his rebellious son is interesting, as the viewer sides with each of them at different times.

The film is more emotional than I anticipated and much of the audience was teary during scenes of heartbreak and triumph.

I feel The Butler (2013) is a must-see for everyone.